Two spots can mean a lot in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a part of the agreement to send Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets, the Green Bay Packers swapped the 15th overall pick for the 13th. The draft value chart gives the Packers another +100 points in draft capital for the move. The Packers reportedly had a very good reason for wanting that 13th pick in the draft.
Nfl Green Bay Packers At Arizona Cardinals
The Packers at 15, were behind the New England Patriots at 14, before the Rodgers trade. The Patriots have several needs on this roster, including wide receiver, offensive tackle, edge, and cornerback. The first three needs are ones they share in common with the Packers. But there’s one prospect at wide receiver that both front offices really want in the middle of the first round.
The Green Bay Packers’ overall 13th pick could land them a top WR
According to Tony Pauline with the Pro Football Network, sources have told Pauline the Packers wanted to leapfrog a potential bid from the Patriots for Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Thursday night.
Number of people tell me the move from 15 to 13 for Green Bay is the hopes it will be easier to secure Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 24, 2023
Many analysts consider JSN to be the best wide receiver in the draft. It would make sense for the Packers to add pressure on the Patriots to make a move to draft JSN. The 13th spot will make it easier to take JSN than at 15. However, there are many other players the two teams could have wanted at their respective position, especially if JSN is off the board early. Offensive tackles Peter Skoronski, Broderick Jones, or Darnell Wright could be on the board for the Packers to take at 13.
With the common needs between the Patriots and Packers, it looks like general manager Brian Gutekunst hit the jackpot again by completing the Rodgers trade before Thursday night. He has the chance to make his next starting quarterback, Jordan Love, a very happy camper in August.
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